Population Dynamics and Movements of Black Bears in East Central Alberta

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Abstract
Demographic and spatial parameters of a high-density black bear (U. americanus) population were studied with radiotelemetry and live-capture techniques in 1974 and 1975 at Cold Lake, Alberta. During previous studies, the population on a 218-km2 study area closed to sport hunting of bears had doubled from a mean of 80 bears in 1968-1971, to 175 in 1973 following the removal of 23 adult males in 1971 and 1972. The increase was attributed to increased subadult survival and ingress. By 1975 the population decreased to 137 and the adult male cohort was numerically restored. The subadult cohort remained large. Average weights of bears of the same age did not decrease when the population increased, suggesting that food was not in short supply at the higher densities. Size estimates for annual home range of males and females averaged 119 and 19.6 km2, respectively. Size of male home ranges was not affected by the density increase, but the size of female home ranges may have decreased. Areas occupied by 24 male bears of different ages overlapped extensively. Adult females appeared to be territorial toward one another, but tolerated bears of other sexes and ages. Mobility of male bears decreased from spring through fall and was likely influenced by seasonal food availability and breeding behavior. More subadult males moved off the study area than adult males. Male bears selected aspen and garbage dump areas but avoided muskeg habitat. Subadult males were located at garbage dumps twice as often as adult males.

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